Foreign Affairs coverage at SWI swissinfo.ch

Switzerland plays a crucial role in international politics across many areas. We unravel the complexities of Swiss politics globally and provide fresh perspectives on international developments.

Slow justice for Europe’s travelling people

Yenish men, pictured in 1958 on a pitch in Zurich.

This content was published on Jun 14, 2025 The Swiss government has officially recognised as a “crime against humanity” its persecution of the nomadic group known as the Yenish.

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on foreign affairs

With the rise of new political and economic alliances, what strategies should small nations like Switzerland adopt?

The dynamics of international power blocs are more unpredictable than ever. Navigating them has become more complex.

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Mar 5, 2025

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Our editor’s picks

Switzerland mulls stronger ties with European defence structures

This content was published on Jun 9, 2025 In the face of US disengagement, the idea of a defence partnership with the EU is gaining ground in the Swiss parliament.

Opinion

What role should Switzerland play in international peacebuilding?

This content was published on May 23, 2025 To play a meaningful role, Switzerland must earn acceptance from the parties involved in a conflict, says Laurent Goetschel.

In Switzerland, migration isn’t just inbound

This content was published on May 1, 2025 Who are the 90,000 or so foreigners who leave Switzerland each year, and why do they do so?

Latest content on foreign affairs

Federal Councillor Jans compares EU treaty package with the Rütli oath

Swiss minister likens EU deal to foundational Swiss ‘Rütli oath’

This content was published on Jun 15, 2025 Beat Jans said on Sunday that the new bilateral deal with Brussels was a “mutual promise in difficult times”.

40 years of the Schengen Area: a Europe without internal borders

Schengen Area marks 40-year anniversary

This content was published on Jun 14, 2025 In 1985, five European states laid the foundations for a common area without border controls. Switzerland joined in 2008.

Israel attacks: Swiss ambassador in Iran summoned by authorities

This content was published on Jun 14, 2025 The ambassador was summoned in the framework of the Swiss protecting power mandate for the US in Iran.

Slow justice for Europe’s travelling people

This content was published on Jun 14, 2025 The Swiss government has officially recognised as a “crime against humanity” its persecution of the nomadic group known as the Yenish.

Federal Council approves EU treaty package and launches consultation process

Switzerland launches consultation process for EU treaty

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Swiss government approves text of a proposed new treaty with the EU and sends it out for consultation.

The European Commission publishes the agreements with Switzerland

Brussels reveals text of Switzerland framework deal

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 The European Commission has published the text of a proposed new treaty with Switzerland.

External Content

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More content on foreign affairs

The Federal Council called upon to act in favour of minorities in Syria

Switzerland ‘must protect minorities’ in Syria

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Swiss politicians from across the political spectrum have called on the government to protect minorities in the face of continuing attacks in Syria.

Account freezes on Ukraine imposed by the Federal Council remain in place

Swiss court rejects appeal to release funds linked to former Ukraine regime

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Swiss Supreme Court rejects appeal to unfreeze the assets of people linked to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Cultural activists and members of civil society are painting on a local bus as they are staging a song march for victims who were killed during the recent nationwide student protests over quotas in government jobs, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 30, 2024. (Photo by Ahmed Salahuddin/NurPhoto) (Photo by Ahmed Salahuddin / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

Switzerland withdraws from democracy support in Bangladesh

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Promoting democracy around the world is one of Switzerland’s goals, but at the same time the funds for such efforts are dwindling.

Swiss secret service had links to more companies linked to Russia

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Swiss intelligence agents had with two more controversial Russian companies besides software provider Kaspersky.

Eleven arrests following pro-Palestine demonstration in Zurich

Tear gas and 11 arrests as pro-Palestine Zurich rally turns violent

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Riots break out at unauthorised pro-Palestinian demonstration in Zurich, leading to 11 arrests.

Cassis calls on Israel to authorise more aid to Gaza

Swiss foreign minister calls on Israel to authorise more aid to Gaza

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has called on Israel to allow more aid for the Gaza Strip.

The terms of the new agreement gives the US Securities and Exchange Commission direct access to client information from Swiss firms.

US and Switzerland end stalemate over client information

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 Agreement lifts blockade on approvals of new Swiss investment advisers to pursue American wealth management.

Cassis to discuss aid with Israel after seeing aid workers

Swiss foreign minister to raise aid groups’ concerns with Israel

This content was published on Jun 11, 2025 On Wednesday, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will raise humanitarian concerns about the Gaza Strip with Israel.

Switzerland mulls stronger ties with European defence structures

This content was published on Jun 9, 2025 In the face of US disengagement, the idea of a defence partnership with the EU is gaining ground in the Swiss parliament.